in memory - michael, paula & michael (mikey) ryan

gone too soon - august 27, 2017

The above three people were family members: my first cousin's daughter, son-in-law and 11-year-old grandson, who were killed in a head-on vehicle collision in Newfoundland on August 27, 2017. They are survived by a daughter/sister as well as a host of friends and family members. I cannot begin to imagine how their daughter must feel, knowing she must find a way to go on without her parents and brother, despite the abundance of family and friends surrounding her.

I live in Arctic Canada and rarely get back to Newfoundland to meet the growing families. As such, I've never met the three family members who passed, but they were a happy family. Their home was filled with love, laughter and support for one another - a family many children could only dream of having as they grew.

That love extended beyond the walls of their home - especially since both parents were passionate softball coaches, their son being involved in the sport and having excellent rapport with his teammates. It is definitely a tragic loss and this heart of mine feels like it's beyond repair. I can't begin to imagine how those closest to the families feel considering the level of heartache and sorrow I feel in the depths of my soul. They will surely be missed and may be gone from this world but will never be forgotten.

Photo credit: Tammy Cramm Welcher

This is a family photo of Michael, Paula, Rachael and Mikey. Rachael was not in the vehicle with her parents and brother when the accident took place, claiming their lives. A fundraiser is underway through Go Fund Me - set up by Paula's graduating class of 2000 - to raise funds in trust for Rachael when she reaches the age of majority. If you would like to make a donation, please click here.

in memory ~ sarah anne stride

​APRIL 12, 1999 - AUGUST 27, 2017

​Sarah Anne Stride is a young lady whom I never got the opportunity to meet, a young lady whose face I've never seen, whose name I've never heard - until I started researching details of the fatal highway collision which claimed the lives of three family members, mentioned above.

I was drawn to Sarah from the moment I saw her photo. As I read about her life - the kind of person she was - I felt like I was reading words someone might use to describe me if writing my obituary. I even had one of my closest friends read the words used to describe Sarah and her life, to hear his thoughts, and he agreed that she sounded very much like me. I can only say that I feel honored.

Even now, a few days after the accident which claimed her life, I cannot get Sarah out of my mind, so I decided to put pen to paper and write a poem. This is the result. If you knew Sarah and this poem has touched your heart in some way, I would love to hear from you.​

The Legacy

As a candle casts its lightSending flickers across a room,So did your light shine on usCasting away shadows of gloom.

When you walked into a crowdEyes followed you everywhere.There was something about you:An innocence, a joy - so rare.

Within your soul, God instilledA burning, raging desireTo get out into the trenches,To see the muck and mire.

Watching people rise aboveChallenges they faced every dayBrought such peace into your soul;God would have it no other way.

Sadly, now, your time has comeTo say "bye" to the world you've known.A life cut short tragicallyWhere only love and goodness shone.

But God's heart is filled with joyAs you roam Heaven's streets of gold.You've done what He asked of you ...Depths of your legacy, untold.

So, now, when I think of youI'll put a smile on my face.Your memory reaches me,In my heart, holds a special place ...